It's all about Donna

I never knew that certain planetary alignments were called conjunctions. This evening, one such conjunction took place. The alignment of Jupiter, Venus and the moon. It actually started yesterday. It won’t happen again until 2013. In the first phase of the conjunction, which was yesterday, the moon and two planets make a smiley face of sorts. This evening, it is just the reverse where they make an upside down frown. An interesting phenomena indeed.

Planetary Conjunction of Venus, Jupiter and the moon

I had the wonderful blessing of being invited to participate in the Thanksgiving day family festivities at my friend’s ranch this year. I’ve known Kate’s family for years now. What made this particular day so special was realizing just how long I’ve known them all, and getting to witness how the niecelets, as they are affectionately known, have grown up into young women. The youngest, Katie, is now 18 years old. I first met her when she was about 6. There’s also Callie and Abbie. I think Callie is now about 21 and Abbie is somewhere in the middle. The other kids have grown up as well, but I know the niecelets the best.

What stands out most about this day, was the hay ride. Foolish me tried to carry a glass of wine on the trip. Wrong. Note to self: take a sippy cup next time. I had more wine on my than in my mouth. I digress. What came out of this trip was the realization that it isn’t always all about me even though I would like it to be. Kate has new calves on the ground. The topic of naming the newborns came up. I asked if she was going to name one Donna. I was quickly informed it wasn’t all about me. What do you mean it’s not all about me? We all laughed hard.

I realized on this day, just how thankful I am to have such wonderful friends as Kate and Jhereon, and for them to think enough of me to include me in their family day. I was honored. In reflection, I am very thankful to a former colleague who introduced me to Kate over 10 years ago.

This was a day that was truly about friends, family, and Thanksgiving.

Recently a friend’s barn was broken into and wiped out-saddles, bridles, harness, tools, and lots more. Thieves used her own trailer to take what they wanted, including the trailer. However this post is not about the loss of goods. It’s about a comment my friend made while discussing her plight. She was on her way out the door in search of her stolen items when she said this was all about her! Now here’s the irony… this same friend is the one who talked me into starting this blog in the first place. I knew this was one time I could smart off and remind my friend that it is not about her, but it is really about me. Actually… I think she was right… it is all about her. At least for today.

For a number of years I pondered the notion of donating my hair to the Locks of Love organization. It’s taken me nearly 10 years to finally do this. Today was that day. I cut off 12 inches of hair, placed it neatly into a baggie, and then into a padded mailer. I hope it helps.

There’s a saying, “No good deed goes unpunished.”

As of late, it seems as though my good deed efforts meet with nothing but punishment. I have several recent incidents that support this theory.

The Old Arabs

I take in two elderly Arabian horses with the understanding that if it doesn’t work out, they will be taken back. Out of the clear blue, several weeks after they arrive, I get an opportunity to acquire a young horse suitable for what I want to do… carriage driving with some riding from time to time. As long as the old guys are here, I cannot bring home anymore horses. The short story, I get yelled at and am told that I am appalling by this turn of events.

No good deed goes unpunished.

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